By Tanya Terry
The November 3 general election is now less than a month away! Make sure you’re ready!
Key Races
The upcoming election includes many key races such as the Flint mayoral race (with candidates 6th Ward City Councilwoman Tonya Burns and incumbent Mayor Sheldon Neeley), Flint City Council races (in which Wards 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9 must be filled by new councilmembers) and numerous state and federal positions including Michigan governor, attorney general, secretary of state, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, Michigan Senate, Michigan House, Michigan Supreme Court, the Flint Community School Board, the Mott Community College Board of Trustees and various other education boards.
Statewide proposals
Statewide proposals include Proposal 2026-1 regarding a constitutional convention for the purpose of drafting a general revision of the state constitution.
Also, Proposal 2026-2 is regarding campaign finance restrictions for regulated electric and gas utilities, contractors receiving more than $250,000 annually in government contracts and some people connected to such utilities or contractors.
Meet the candidates
The Democracy Defense League is presenting a Meet the Candidates event on Thursday, October 8, starting at 4 p.m., at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library. It is an opportunity to not only meet the candidates for mayor, Flint City Council and Flint Board of Education, but hear their visions for the community, learn about issues that matter to area residents, ask questions and engage in civic dialogue.
The Gloria Coles Flint Public Library is located at 1026 E. Kearsley Street, in Flint.
Voter registration
Voter registration status can be checked at michigan.gov/vote, and registration is available at Secretary of State offices, city or township clerks, state agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices.
Important Dates
Remember, the last day recommended to vote by mail by many election officials and voting advocacy groups like the ACLU of Michigan is Monday, October 19. This is due to transit times.
For Flint specifically, from Tuesday, October 20 – Tuesday, November 3 until 8 p.m., a person may register to vote in-person at City of Flint Clerk’s Office with proof of residency.
From Saturday, October 24th – Sunday, November 1, early in-person voting is available at the City of Flint Municipal Building (1101 S. Saginaw St.) City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Exceptions are Saturday, October 24 , Sunday, October 25, Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, October 30 at 5: p.m. is the deadline for voters to request an absent voter ballot to be mailed via first class mail.
Monday, November 2 at 4 p.m. is the deadline for registered voters to apply for an absent voter ballot in person at the City of Flint Clerk’s Office.
Also, on Tuesday, November 3 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., a person registering to vote in-person at the City of Flint Clerk’s Office may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot with proof of residency or vote in-person at their proper precinct.
Other important information from the City of Flint includes that due to the permanent closure of Neithercut School, the new voting location designated for voters in Precincts 23 and 24 is Word of Life Christian Church, 460 West Atherton Road Flint, MI 48507.
Transportation for voting
For those needing transportation to vote on Tuesday, November 3, requests must be submitted by October 20 in order to meet MTA’s two-week advance requirement. However, a 30-day notice is preferred.
Since transportation requests depend on available MTA vehicles and staff, and are reviewed in order received, those needing rides to the polls are being encouraged to contact their local mass transportation authority as soon as possible.
For questions, community members can contact MTA Customer Service at (810) 767-0100 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Your Ride service is also available based on age, disability or regular service not being available to an individual. To contact Your Ride, call 810-767-5541.
This election is considered highly consequential and to be one worth being prepared for!
